VIDEO Lahood: We Are A Third World Country When It Comes To Infrastructure | Velshi & Ruhle | MSNBC

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Lahood: We Are A Third World Country When It Comes To Infrastructure | Velshi & Ruhle | MSNBC In a revealing segment on MSNBC's "Velshi & Ruhle," Ray LaHood, former Secretary of Transportation under President Obama, expressed urgent concerns regarding the state of U.S. infrastructure, stating that we are reminiscent of a third-world country. This discussion is particularly relevant given President Trump's push for significant infrastructure reform, promising a $1 trillion overhaul when he took office.

Key Highlights from the Discussion​

1. The Overhaul Promise: President Trump has consistently emphasized the need for American infrastructure to be improved, aptly noting that "infrastructure of our magnificent country" should not continue to "crumble and decay." The focus on rebuilding involves modernizing roads, bridges, and railways while prioritizing American labor and materials.
2. Funding Challenges: A substantial barrier remains: Congress has struggled to find how to finance the necessary projects. LaHood noted that without a hike in the gas tax—unchanged for over two decades—and an establishment of an infrastructure bank, a comprehensive plan is unlikely to materialize.
3. Public-Private Partnerships' Debate: The current administration promotes public-private partnerships as a way to engage private investment in infrastructure. LaHood raised valid concerns about these arrangements, questioning whether they truly benefit the public if private investors are looking for substantial returns that could jeopardize the projects' accessibility and affordability.
4. Infrastructure Deficiencies: Highlighting statistics from the American Society of Civil Engineers, LaHood pointed out alarming figures: over 60,000 bridges are structurally deficient and many roads are in poor condition. This underscores the escalating need for immediate action.
5. The Importance of Regulation: While the Trump administration's rollbacks of regulations may seem favorable to corporations, LaHood argues that regulation remains vital for ensuring safety in infrastructure projects, referencing past disasters that highlighted the importance of maintaining stringent safety standards.
   

   Conclusion​

   The conversation encapsulates a critical moment in U.S. infrastructure policy, revealing the challenges and potential strategies facing lawmakers. LaHood's insights serve as a call to action for Congress to prioritize and effectively fund infrastructure reform to meet the demands of modern America. It’s clear that infrastructure is not just a matter of economic necessity but also a public safety concern. Have your thoughts on infrastructure changed in light of this discussion? What do you believe are the most critical areas that need attention? Join the conversation!